Clashes as Oxford Union debating society hosts Tommy Robinson | UK | News
More than a hundred protesters gather in Oxford to protest on the eve of the Oxford Union (Image: Getty)
Protesters opposing the event, which included far-right activist Tommy Robinson, clashed with counter-protesters in Oxford. The Oxford Union’s debating society sparked controversy when it announced it would host a debate titled The West’s Right to Suspect Islam, featuring Robinson, whose real name is Robinson. Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. Former actor turned activist Laurence FoxThe former Conservative MP was also at the event. Jacob Rees-MoggHe was photographed arriving with his wife Helena to argue against Mr Yaxley-Lennon.
Protesters took to New Inn Hall Street and Cornmarket Street on Wednesday 17 June, occupying both sides of St Michael Street where the event was taking place. Demonstrators chanting slogans such as “Oxford Union, shame, shame” far outnumbered the handful of counter-protesters carrying Union flags who gathered on Cornmarket Street in support of Mr Yaxley-Lennon.
While the two groups were separated by a police cordon, police teams were also present in the area to observe the protest.
Stephen Yaxley-Lennon accused of inciting race riots in Southampton, Belfast and Glasgow (Image: Getty)
A minor incident on Cornmarket Street saw protesters booing police officers. A few demonstrators threw water at them.
Protesters held signs reading “Putin’s poster child” and “No platform for fascist Yaxley-Lennon” during the demonstration.
Oxford City Council previously said St Michael Street would be closed while the event was in progress.
The council said: “St Michael’s Street will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians between 4pm and 11pm on Wednesday 17 June for an event at the Oxford Union.”
“There will be light diversions on a small number of bus routes, but no bus stops will be affected. No other road closures are planned.”
Clashes took place in New Inn Hall Street and Cornmarket Street (Image: Getty)
Protesters chanted ‘Oxford Union, shame, shame’ (Image: Getty)
It was reported that shops and some bars in the region were closed early due to events and protests.
In a statement on Wednesday, Thames Valley Police said: “We are working closely with a range of partners through well-established security advisory structures to ensure events run safely and smoothly while minimizing disruption to our communities.
“We support freedom of expression and are working with the Oxford Union and other local stakeholders to facilitate this event and associated peaceful protests.”
Mr Rees-Mogg and activist Abdullah al Andalusi joined the debate to oppose Mr Yaxley-Lennon.
Jacob Rees-Mogg attended the event to argue against Mr Yaxley-Lennon (Image: Getty)
Laurence Fox attended the event (Image: Getty)
In a YouTube video posted on Wednesday afternoon, Mr Rees-Mogg explained why he believed the union was “right” to host Mr Yaxley-Lennon for a debate.
He said: “I think the best way to answer him is to argue with him. You see, if I ignore him, he won’t walk away, he won’t lose his followers, and people will say people like me are scared.”
The former Tory MP added that the Oxford Union would be a “meaningless society” without freedom of expression and that it “exists for debate”.
Last month, it was reported that the debate had been postponed following significant protests over the far-right activist’s participation.
The most significant opposition came from faith leaders, including Bishop of Oxford Steven Croft and Imam Monawar Hussain, founder of the Oxford Foundation.
Both said they were “disturbed and upset” when he was invited to speak.
Ian McKendrick, vice-president of Oxford Stand Up To Racism, previously accused Mr Yaxley-Lennon of inciting “violent race riots” in Southampton, Belfast and Glasgow in recent weeks.
